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Would true in-ear types be much better?

My experience with using in-ear 'phones (the Shure SE310 and Etymotic ER-4 and ER-6i) on planes has been excellent. Lots of music, very little noise.

Also using the foam type (like orange foam ear plugs) in-ear inserts provides better isolation than the rubber ones. I love my Shure e2c in-ears. Also, the Sennheiser HD280 headphones have great isolation. On propeller planes, I will even use my e2cs under my HD280s and truly not be interrupted. Also, when i'm pressure washing the house, i'll put in my e2c and then use my Howard Leight Ear Muffs over that (about -60db reduction).

I have found that active noise cancellation is not as good as passive isolation and can have an odd sensation as the brain deals with the phasing issues created.

Lastly, headphone.com is a great resource for comparing all types of headphones with very good advice. They also carry "odd" sized in-ear inserts for big and small ear canals. One of the best "e-tailors" around.

Shures + yellow foams = plane bliss (well, okay, not bliss - it can't do anything about the cramped, inadequately padded seat, and the annoying smelly person that sits next to you...or the nickle-and-dime charges, flight delays, turbulence, rude and uninformed airline staff, etc... Remind me why I fly?).

Seriously, though, I fly often - an average of twice a month - and this combo is great. People travelling with me will complaint about a crying baby and loud motor, etc., and I'm like "I have no idea what you're talking about."

I like and use Ultimate Ears. They have several great models and I'm now using the Triple.fi 10 Pros, which is near their top of the line. I've owned and listened to several other offerings from their line and they were all top performers at their price points.

I use the Comply Foam Tips for the best compromise between comfort and performance.

Roll around over at Head-Fi.org for many more specifics. The average age over there is very low, so expect a lot of hyperbole, but there's also much useful information.

Dave

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good feedback from all y'all, thanks. And it's unanimous in favor in IEM's, that's pretty convincing, cool.

Well, to keep things balanced - some people find them unbearably uncomfortable. I did for the first one or two days I used them, but now it's almost like they aren't even there. But just so you know...

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Well, to keep things balanced - some people find them unbearably uncomfortable. I did for the first one or two days I used them, but now it's almost like they aren't even there. But just so you know...

Comply makes their comfort tips for most brands. I can't recommend them highly enough, since the impact both comfort and performance. The wear out pretty quickly, so buy a pack of three to make sure that you like them.

Dave